DJI Mini 2 SE vs. Mini 3 vs. Mini 3 Pro (Here’s My Choice)

Thanks for checking out my article on which I would choose, the DJI Mini 2 SE, DJI Mini 3, or the DJI Mini 3 Pro.

As someone who has been flying drones of various shapes and sizes from the Phantom line down to the Mini series, for many years, I appreciate and enjoy all drones.

I’ve been flying the Mini 2 SE, Mini 3, and Mini 3 Pro equally since their respective releases and have a lot of stick time with each. With all three models being DJI Mini drones, there might be some confusion about what differentiates them.

In this article, we will go over the similarities and marked differences between the Mini 2 SE, Mini 3, and Mini 3 Pro, some of their strengths and weaknesses, and their overall performance, as well as why I prefer the Mini 3 Pro over both the Mini 2 SE and Mini 3.

Let’s get started to find the drone that fits your needs and purposes.

Overview #

DJI Mini 2 SE #

Released in February 2023, the Mini 2 SE is the newest of the three Mini drones in this article and the younger sibling of the popular DJI Mini 2.

While all three are under the sweet spot of 250 g and easy for anyone to pick up and learn to fly, the Mini 2 SE is aimed at those looking for a budget, no-frills flying experience.

Although a budget-friendly DJI Mini drone, the Mini 2 SE has a few advanced features that elevate it above competing mini drone manufacturers.

• A stronger video transmission system, OcuSync 2.0, for 6.2 miles (10 km) maximum transmission distance
• 3-axis gimbal for smooth and jitter-free video footage
• The addition of GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo for precise hovering
• Shoots photos simultaneously in JPG and RAW formats, adding the flexibility needed for post-photo editing

**» MORE: **Is DJI Mini 2 SE Good for Beginners? (Hands-on Review)

DJI Mini 3 #

Although the name would suggest that the Mini 3 came out before the Mini 3 Pro, the Mini 3 was actually released 7 months after the Mini 3 Pro in December 2022.

The Mini 3 can be considered the logical successor to both the Mini 2 and Mini 2 SE. It is slightly larger than both those models by a few millimeters in each direction, and 2 g heavier, however it is still a sub-250 g drone.

Likewise, the Mini 3 has upgrades in a few areas many Mini 2 lovers have been waiting for and can appreciate.

• Vertical shooting, carried over from the Mini 3 Pro, to upload content immediately to social media
• The option to shoot 48 MP RAW photos is perfect for in-depth photo editing
• 4k 30 FPS video for viewing memories in high resolution
• 51 minutes of flight time on Plus version batteries to keep you in the air longer

**» MORE: **DJI Mini 3 – Beginner’s Guide

DJI Mini 3 Pro #

The Mini 3 Pro can be regarded as the DJI Mini drone that “started the Pro in Mini”.

Released in May 2022, the DJI Mini 3 Pro was the first sub-250 g DJI Mini drone to ever have obstacle avoidance on board.

This was indeed a first and has since been matched and then exceeded by the Mini 3 Pro’s successor, the Mini 4 Pro.

While drone enthusiasts continue looking to keep from registering their Mini 3 Pro’s, having obstacle avoidance on a sub-250 g drone is quite the feat.

The Mini 3 Pro has quite a few pro-like features, which include:

• True verticle shooting, which allows for instant posting to social media in the correct image ratio
• 10-bit, 4k 60 fps video for content creators and professionals looking for flexibility when color grading
• Three-way obstacle avoidance for added flight safety
• Weighs less than 250 g, which is perfect for those not wanting to register their drone in the United States

**» MORE: **DJI Mini 3 Pro Review

Quick Verdict #

Although all three of the DJI Mini drones in this article weigh less than 250 g, and don’t need to be registered in the United States, if not used for commercial purposes, there is one DJI Mini drone that surpasses the others.

That would be the Mini 3 Pro.

Why is the Mini 3 Pro a favorite here at Droneblog and the clear choice?

Because it is a very versatile drone. The Mini 3 Pro is the ideal drone for beginners, enthusiasts, travelers, solo content creators, and professionals looking for a small backup drone for less involved video projects.

Although the Mini 3 Pro is slightly more than double the price of the Mini 2 SE and a few hundred dollars more than the Mini 3, the Mini 3 Pro has a huge advantage. Technology.

With the inclusion of obstacle avoidance, 4k 60 fps, and 10-bit color, one can own the Mini 3 Pro for years and have no immediate need to upgrade. However, after flying the Mini 2 SE for a bit, upgrading is the logical choice.

Considering the Mini 3 Pro’s weight and price, it allows almost anyone to carry only one capable drone with them, wherever they go, for a variety of purposes.

**» MORE: **DJI Mini 3 vs. Air 3 (Here’s My Choice)

What are the Main Differences? #

In terms of similarities, all three Minis have a similar plasticky feeling build. When you first pick up any of the models, they feel cheap. Thankfully, they are not actually cheap or poorly built.

Also, yes, all three DJI Mini drones are under 250 g, but this is where most of the similarities end, and the differences between the Mini 2 SE, Mini 3, and Mini 3 Pro become apparent.

Mini 2 SE #

We’ll look at a few of the major differences with the Mini 2 SE first. In some aspects, the Mini 2 SE and Mini 3 do have similarities.

• ✅ Price: This is actually a positive for the Mini 2 SE. The Mini 2 SE is the least expensive Mini drone in this article and the most budget-friendly drone DJI has on offer to date. The pricing structure of the Mini 2 SE makes it a very appealing drone for those who have never flown before. The reason it is so budget-friendly can be seen below.
• ❌ Lack of Obstacle Avoidance: The Mini 2 SE has no obstacle avoidance. This disqualifies it from having any sort of intelligent flight modes or “follow me” function which is seemingly so popular these days. These modes rely on obstacle avoidance to keep the drone safer during autonomous flight. The lack of an obstacle avoidance system also means new flyers have to be extremely alert and careful in general when flying.
• ❌ Lack of internal memory: This is actually something that is shared with the Mini 3. Non-Pro versions of the Mini line all suffer from this. If you want to save your photos and video footage, you will have to buy and rely on an SD card.
• ❌ Photography related: The Mini 2 SE takes 12 MP Photos only. There are no options for 48 MP photos. The Mini 2 SE does take decent photos if you are prepared to do a bit of heavy lifting in a photo editing app like Lightroom.
• ❌ Video related: The Mini 2 SE cannot shoot in 4k. It can shoot 2.7k videos. Also, there are no options for 10-bit color.
• ❌ Outdated Video Transmission System: The Mini 2 SE runs on the older OcuSync 2.0 transmission system. Compared to the transmission distance of OcuSync 3 and the new OcuSync 4.0, the Mini 2 SE suffers from shorter, interference-free flights.
• ❌ One remote controller type: currently the Mini 2 SE can only use the DJI RC-N1 and has no access to any of DJI’s Smart Controllers on the market.

**» MORE: **Best Accessories for DJI Mini 2 SE 

Mini 3 #

Next, we’ll look at the Mini 3, which has a few significant upgrades over the Mini 2 SE.

• ✅ Camera Related: The Mini 3 shares the same updated camera and gimbal as the Mini 3 Pro. The camera is a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor that rotates for true physical vertical shooting in either photo or video mode.
• ✅ Photography Related: The Mini 3 can shoot both 12 MP and 48 MP photos, on a larger camera than the Mini 2 SE. The larger camera also allows for better low-light performance and higher-resolution photos than the Mini 2 SE.
• ✅ Video Related: Full 4k 30 fps video is onboard, although there are no 10-bit color capabilities.
• ✅ Maximum flight time: The Mini 3 benefits from the Mini 3 Pro-introduced Plus battery options, but takes this a step further with a maximum flight time of 51 minutes.
• ❌ Lack of Obstacle Avoidance: Like its less expensive predecessor, the Mini 2 SE, the Mini 3 has no obstacle avoidance system of any kind. This was most likely done to 1) keep the cost of the Mini 3 down while providing a reasonably priced upgrade alternative for Mini 2 SE owners and, 2) to keep it a step down from the Mini 3 Pro.
• ❌ Lack of internal Memory: If an SD card is forgotten at home, like the Mini 2 SE, there is no internal storage available. Thankfully, the Mini 3’s DJI-recommended SD card capacity is up to 256 GB.
• ❌ Outdated Video Transmission System: The Mini 3 shares the same OcuSync 2.0 video transmission system as the Mini 2 SE so it has the same downsides in this regard.

**» MORE: **How Do I Connect DJI Mini 3 to Computer?

Mini 3 Pro #

Lastly, we’ll look at the Mini 3 Pro. As it is an upgrade over both the Mini 2 SE and Mini 3 and includes Mini 3 upgrades, we’ll mention only the top-tiered upgrades that the Mini 3 does not have over the Mini 2 SE.

• ✅ Obstacle Avoidance: The Mini 3 Pro has three-way obstacle avoidance, offering protection at the front, back, and bottom.
• ✅ Intelligent flight features: MasterShots and Focus Track, which includes the Active Track follow-me modes.
• ✅ Video Related: 4k 60fps video recording in 10-bit color profiles. Also has HD 120fps slow-motion recording capabilities.
• ✅ OcuSync 3.0: Increases the maximum transmission distance over the Mini 2 SE and Mini 3 from 6.2 miles (10 km) to 7.4 miles (12 km). This increase in distance also includes a cleaner transmission signal.
• ✅ Internal Storage: The Mini 3 Pro has 1.2 GB of internal storage, which is not a lot of storage. However, in a pinch, if you have forgotten to insert an SD card, the internal storage can be a lifesaver. Per DJI, the Mini 3 Pro can use SD cards with a capacity of up to 512 GB.
• ✅ Multiple Remote Controller Options: The Mini 3 Pro can use the DJI RC Pro, DJI RC, DJI RC-N1, and DJI Motion 2 w/ DJI Goggles 2.
• ✅ Multiple Battery Options: The Mini 3 Pro was the first to introduce a Plus-sized battery option, in addition to the standard battery. The Plus-sized battery takes the Mini 3 Pro over the 250 g weight limit but achieves 47-minute flight times.

**» MORE: **How to Fly a DJI Mini 3 Pro (Explained for Beginners)

DJI Mini 2 SE #

The Mini 2 SE is a budget-friendly version of the popular Mini 2. Being a budget-version drone, the Mini 2 SE lacks some of the features that many newer model Mini fans have come to appreciate.

To keep costs down, the Mini 2 SE uses much of the same hardware as the 2020 Mini 2. This is, of course, to be expected from a budget drone.

One of the obvious downgrades from the Mini 2 is seen in the speed of the Mini 2 SE.

Whereas the Mini 2 had varying ascent and descent speeds for Cine, Normal, and Sport flight modes, the Mini 2 SE has only one ascent and descent speed across these modes.

Another major area where cutbacks are seen is in video recording. The Mini 2 can record 4k 30fps, the same as the Mini 3. However, the Mini 2 SE is only capable of recording 2.7k videos, which might be fine for some.

**» MORE: **Is the DJI Mini 2 SE Worth It?

Something I noticed with the Mini 2 SE (as well as the Mini 3) is that when flying in signal-congested areas, like Downtown Orlando, I experience signal loss more times than not. This occurs within a few hundred feet of the RC.

This is most likely attributed to the OcuSync 2.0 video transmission system.

Because of this, beginner pilots need to properly set the available safety options, such as RTH (return to home), to avoid losing the Mini 2 SE when flying in urban areas.

For a budget-focused Mini drone, the Mini 2 SE is a great drone. It takes decent 12 MP photos and flies exactly like a DJI drone, which is a great thing.

Great Starter Drone

DJI Mini 3 #

The Mini 3 is a great upgraded entry into the Mini space and bridges the gap between the Mini 2, Mini 2 SE, and the more expensive Mini 3 Pro quite well.

Although it was odd to see the Mini 3 released months after the Mini 3 Pro, the Mini 3 really is the successor to the Mini 2 series (including the Mini 2 SE).

Although the Mini 3 keeps the same OcuSync 2.0 transmission system as the Mini 2 SE and has one or two of the same budget-conscious constraints as the SE, it is indeed a worthy upgrade.

For a few hundred more dollars than the Mini 2 SE, the Mini 3 offers an upgraded camera. This is the same camera as found on the Mini 3 Pro and performs equally as well as that camera when taking photos in an array of lighting conditions.

What’s more, the Mini 3 can shoot 48 MP photos using the same quad-bayer technology found in DJI’s more expensive drones, although there is a lot of debate surrounding the effectiveness of this technology.

Additionally, the Mini 3 is capable of shooting 4k 30fps videos, unlike the Mini 2 SE.

**» MORE: **Does the DJI Mini 3 Need to Be Registered? (Explained for Beginners)

Looking at the physical camera, we see that, in addition to the new 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor, the camera can physically rotate vertically.

This was something introduced with the original release of the Mini 3 Pro and looks to be a feature we will continue to see in subsequent Mini models, as it is also on the Mini 4 Pro.

Of course, another standout feature of the Mini 3 is its outstanding battery life.

Currently, as of the writing of this article, the Mini 3 has the longest battery life found in a consumer DJI drone. We’ll talk more about this soon.

DJI Mini 3 Pro #

When the Mini 3 Pro was released, it was to a lot of fanfare and expectation. And it didn’t disappoint.

The Mini 3 Pro was and still is a much-loved drone amongst all types of drone pilots, even with the Mini 4 Pro in the market.

Like the Mini 2 SE and Mini 3, the Mini 3 Pro is quite easy for beginners to pick up and fly while remaining fun to fly for experienced drone enthusiasts.

Unlike any other consumer or prosumer DJI drone before it, the Mini 3 Pro retains a tiny footprint, weighing under 250 g, all while having a three-way obstacle avoidance system.

Because of these sensors, the Mini 3 Pro can use most of DJI’s intelligent flight and video modes, such as MasterShots and Active Track. Without obstacle avoidance, some of these modes would be difficult to perform.

As the name implies, the Mini 3 Pro is not only a small drone with visual sensors but also has a few pro-level additions, which make it ideal for solo content creators and videographers.

**» MORE: **DJI Mini 3 Pro: One-Year Review (Video)

Some of these Pro-level additions include 4k 60 fps, as well as HD 120 fps slow-motion shooting. Additionally, the Mini 3 Pro benefits from the flatter 10-bit D-Cinelike color profile.

In addition to being a great travel drone, the Mini 3 Pro has advanced features to be used for non-intensive professional applications, of which real estate comes to mind.

Because of the all-around versatility of the Mini 3 Pro, it is a great drone for almost any type of drone pilot, from beginner to advanced.

Our Choice

Head-to-Head Comparison #

We’ve seen some of the similarities between the three models.

We’ve also looked at the differences between each of the Mini models in this article. Next, we will look closer at the differentiating factors between them, and who is the clear choice in each category.

Performance #

Winner: DJI Mini 3 Pro

While all three of the Minis mentioned here have the same motors, producing the same amount of lift and speed, the winner here is the Mini 3 Pro.

The Mini 2 SE, Mini 3, and Mini 3 Pro can all achieve a maximum horizontal speed of 35.7 mph (16 m/s). The difference is in the ascent and descent speeds.

Both the Mini 2 SE and Mini 3 ascend and descend at a rate of 3.5 m/s and 5 m/s, respectively, in all flight modes (Cine, Normal, and Sport).

The Mini 3 Pro, on the other hand, ascends and descends at the following rates:

SpeedCineNormalSport****Ascent Speed2 m/s3 m/s5 m/sDescent Speed1.5 m/s3 m/s5 m/sRate of Ascent/Descent

While this might not be a big deal to many, the fact the Mini 3 Pro has varying ascent and descent speeds depending on the flying mode is appreciated by those who depend on these different rates of ascent and descent for their selected flight mode.

When it comes to handling, all three of the Mini models perform similarly.

With the addition of EXP settings in the DJI Fly app for all three models, you can tune the handling of any Mini to your liking.

**» MORE: **How Fast Can Drones Fly? (An In-Depth Guide)

Video Capabilities #

Winner: DJI Mini 3 Pro

DJI put a fair bit of technology into the Mini 3 Pro to achieve the “Pro” moniker. One of the areas the Mini 3 Pro shines over the Mini 2 SE (of course) and its closest sibling, the Mini 3, is in the video department.

To be fair, it only makes sense that DJI would “dumb down” the Mini 3 in various areas, as the Mini 3 Pro is badged as professional.

If the Mini 3 also had these advancements, then sales would be pulled from the feature-rich Mini 3 Pro.

The Mini 3 Pro can shoot video in 4k at 60fps. 60fps (frames per second) is a great framerate for those looking to get some degree of slow-motion movement in their drone videos.

Additionally, for full slow-motion, the Mini 3 Pro shoots 120fps.

Aside from the higher frame rates the Mini 3 Pro is capable of, there is also the inclusion of 10-bit color profiles.

Videos recorded in 10-bit use 1024 color levels per channel, displaying over 1 billion colors (1.07 Billion). Meanwhile, 8-bit, as seen in the Mini 2 SE and Mini 3, uses 256 colors per channel, displaying a little over 16 million colors.

This means that the Mini 3 Pros 10-bit color is more true to life.

Additionally, having flatter 10-bit color profiles means that the footage coming from the Mini 3 Pro can be color-graded in post-video editing software with a lot heavier hand than footage coming from 8-bit devices.

Unlike 8-bit color that breaks apart after extensive grading, the 10-bit graded colors tend to hold up better.

**» MORE: **Camera Technology in Drones (Explained)

Obstacle Avoidance #

Winner: DJI Mini 3 Pro

The Mini 3 Pro has obstacle avoidance, and the Mini 2 SE and Mini 3 don’t.

In all seriousness, the Mini 3 Pro having obstacle avoidance is a very big thing.

Up until the Mini 3 Pros release, obstacle avoidance of any kind was reserved for DJI’s larger prosumer-level drones, like the Mavic, Air, and Phantom lines.

With the Mini 3 Pro, DJI managed to cram what seemed to be an impossible system into an extremely tiny and lightweight drone, all while keeping the Mini 3 Pro weight under that sweet spot of 250 g.

With this new three-way obstacle avoidance system onboard (similar to that of the larger Mavic Air 2), the Mini 3 Pro can fly safer in more environments. Because of this, the Mini 3 Pro appeals to a wide variety of drone pilots.

With the introduction of the obstacle avoidance system, the Mini 3 Pro is equipped with a slew of intelligent flight modes and features. One such mode is Focus Track.

With Focus Track, Active Track (DJI’s follow-me mode) can be activated, directing the Mini 3 Pro to follow a subject of your choosing, either human, vehicle, or watercraft.

There are additional intelligent video modes that are available due to the new avoidance system.

**» MORE: **Obstacle Avoidance in DJI Drones (Explained for Beginners)

Maximum Flight Distance #

Winner: DJI Mini 3 Pro

This actually has to do with the Mini 3 Pro’s being on the updated OcuSync 3.0 video transmission system over the 2.0 system.

The Mini 3 Pro runs on a version of OcuSync (3.0) that is slightly older than the currently newest version (4.0), but newer than the version running on the Mini 2 SE and Mini 3.

OcuSync 3.0 can transmit video signals up to a maximum range of 7.45 miles (12km).

The transmission signal supports 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz frequency bands which, even now, provide very strong and reliable anti-interference.

This means that the signal is stronger and cleaner, enabling the Mini 3 Pro to be flown confidently in urban areas or areas with high interference, such as in a downtown setting or highly populated urban areas.

The image above is the exact location where I have countless times experienced signal loss with the Mini 2 SE and Mini 3 when only a few hundred feet from the fountain.

Unlike the Mini 2 SE and Mini 3, the Mini 3 Pro never suffered from close-range signal loss due to signal interference.

**» MORE: **Long Range Drones: Ultimate Guide

Remote Controller Options #

Winner: DJI Mini 3 Pro

The Mini 3 Pro is the clear winner when it comes to the remote controller options available for it.

Whereas the Mini 2 SE only uses a single remote controller, and the Mini 3 has two RC options, the Mini 3 Pro can be operated using the following DJI remote controllers:

• DJI RC Pro
• DJI RC
• DJI RC-N1
• DJI Motion 2 w/ DJI Goggles 2

If using the Mini 3 Pro strictly from a professional standpoint, the DJI RC Pro is the best (and most expensive) solution for controlling the Mini 3 Pro, as it has a 5.5-inch screen with 1000 nits of brightness.

Additionally, 3rd party apps can be installed on the DJI RC Pro, enabling it to be a true all-in-one controller solution without needing additional smart devices.

If flying the Mini 3 Pro recreationally, then the more affordable, bundled DJI RC is an excellent controller.

At 700 nits of brightness, the DJI RC can still be seen in very bright conditions. This is perfect for traveling.

Of course, the tried and true RC-N1 is a great choice for those wanting to pair their remote controller with a larger Android or iOS device.

Oftentimes, I have opted to go with the RC-N1 controller. It does take a little longer to get set up and deploy, but you can use any smart device with it, of which I use a Tripletek high-brightness tablet.

If you’d like a different perspective when flying and also a different way to fly, there is also the option to fly the Mini 3 Pro with the DJI Motion 2 Controller w/ DJI Goggles 2.

**» MORE: **DJI RC vs DJI RC-N1 (All You Need to Know)

Battery Life #

Winner: DJI Mini 3

The winner of the battery life category might surprise some, especially since the Mini 3 is the middle-ground Mini drone in this comparison.

Having the best battery life would seem to go to the more advanced Mini 3 Pro.

The Mini 3 is rated by DJI to fly for a maximum of 51 minutes with the Plus option battery, whereas the more expensive Mini 3 Pro is rated for 47 minutes with the same battery.

Also, when using the Standard battery option that comes with both the Mini 3 and Mini 3 Pro, the Mini 3 is rated for 38 minutes, with the Mini 3 Pro at 34 minutes.

What accounts for the four-minute difference in battery life, especially when both drones are under 250 g and use the exact same capacity batteries?

It all boils down to the fact that the Mini 3 uses less processing power than the Mini 3 Pro due to the omission of certain key pro features, like a three-way obstacle avoidance system.

The Mini 3 will most likely not attain those high numbers due to a variety of factors like weather and when the Mini 3 should be landed.

On the positive side, the Mini 3 will, time and again, get about four extra minutes of flight time over the Mini 3 Pro.

Below is a more visual representation of the flight times of the Mini 3, Mini 3 Pro, and even the Mini 2 SE, with all battery options.

Battery OptionMini 2 SEMini 3Mini 3 Pro*Standard31 minutes38 minutes34 minutesPlusN/A51 minutes47 minutes***The Standard Mini 3 battery only fits the Mini 3 and Mini 3 Pro. For the Mini 2 SE, we are referring to the standard battery that comes included with it.

**» MORE: **Flight Time of All DJI Drones (Explained)

Price #

Winner: DJI Mini 2 SE

This is the one category in which the Mini 2 SE comes out on top. And with good reason.

As it stands, as of this article’s writing, the Mini 2 Se is $300 less than the Mini 3 and close to $500 less than the Mini 3 Pro.

For those new to flying drones or those wanting to add an additional low-cost option to an existing fleet, the Mini 2 SE fits perfectly.

At slightly less than $300, anyone who purchases a Mini 2 SE will be getting a very well-built and feature-rich Mini drone.

Many of the features found on the Mini 2 SE are not found on other manufacturers’ drones in the same pricing structure.

**» MORE: **Best Drones for Wildlife Photography

Conclusion #

While the Mini 2 SE, Mini 3, and Mini 3 Pro are all capable Mini drones under 250 g, there are vast differences between the three models.

For those new to drones, those with current drone fleets, and those looking to spend the least amount of money while still getting popular features, the Mini 2 SE may be the perfect fit.

If you are currently a Mini 2 SE owner and looking to upgrade to a Mini drone with a better camera and the longest battery life of any consumer or prosumer-rated DJI drone, the Mini 3 is the answer.

Our choice and recommendation for anyone new to drones, travelers, content creators, or professionals looking to add a small video powerhouse to their arsenal, is the Mini 3 Pro.

At its current price point, the Mini 3 Pro has a very good cost-to-feature ratio and appears to be usable for some time in the future.

**» MORE: **DJI Avata vs. Cinebot 30 (Here’s My Choice)